The dangers of Nigerian 419 advance fee fraud

As mentioned earlier in this section, at some stage in the process of the Nigerian 419 scam, the offenders may require the victim to travel to the country they are located in. Unfortunately, hundreds of victims travel each year to meet the offenders, believing that they will receive the millions promised. These victims are scammed out of more money and return home with much less money in their possession.

Many of these victims travelling on request of these offenders are not as lucky. On many occasions it was reported of victims being kidnapped by offenders and held for ransom, some victims were brutally assaulted and a number killed by offenders when they refuse to pay any more funds.

During 1999 Danut Tetrescu a Romanian, travelled to South Africa to meet offenders in Soweto. Here he was kidnapped and held for ransom at an amount of $500 000.00.
September 1999 Kjetil Moe a Norwegian businessman, travelled to Johannesburg, South Africa to meet offenders. He was later found murdered outside the city.

On the 2nd of June 1996 a Swedish traveller met with offenders in Lome, Togo and was kidnapped. He was held for ransom at an amount of $500 000. Local authorities intervened and the victim was released on the 12th of June 1996.

During July 2001 Joseph Raca a former Northampton Mayor, travelled to meet offenders in Johannesburg, South Africa. Here he was kidnapped and held for ransom. Police intervened and offenders released the victim after police started closing in on their location.

December 2004 George Makronalli a Greek national, travelled to Johannesburg, South Africa to meet offenders. He was found, three days later, murdered in Durban. Investigations revealed that he was brutally assaulted and then set alight.